Sears Ranger 101.16 Semi-Automatic .22 S, L, LR 24” Rifle C&R Savage 87
SOLD FOR: $1,045.00
LSB#: LSB250518TR032
Make: Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Manufactured by Savage Arms)
Model: Ranger 101.16 (Retail equivalent to Savage Model 87 series)
Serial Number: 1605139 (Electro-penciled on right side of receiver)
Year of Manufacture: 1930s–1960s, C&R
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Tube-Fed Rifle
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post protected by steel wings. The rear sight is a peep sight adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is stocked in one-piece full-length hardwood with a smooth straight comb and knurled steel buttplate. The forend is uncheckered, and the wood has a matte oil-like finish consistent with period examples. There are scattered light nicks, dings, and handling marks with no cracks or chips noted. The stock rates in about Good-Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling but no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is mild thinning and finish loss at contact points, particularly the muzzle, receiver flats, and high edges. Some light oxidation and speckling is visible in exposed areas, but nothing severe. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool-marked. The top of the receiver is marked “RANGER 101.16,” and the right side is electro-penciled with the serial number. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action cycles properly and the safety engages as intended. The semi-automatic cycling system is consistent with the “gill gun” blow-back and delayed-blowback design used by Savage during this era. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a leather sling marked “WAYNE’S DOG” across the outer face. It is not vintage, but appears in good shape and likely of recent manufacture.
Our Assessment: The Sears Ranger 101.16 is a department-store branded variant of the Savage Model 87 series, a workhorse semi-automatic rimfire platform that introduced thousands of shooters to safe and accurate plinking. Known among collectors as “Gill Guns” for their vented receiver design, these rifles were rugged, versatile, and chambered for all three common .22 rimfire cartridges.
While this rifle was not a military-issue weapon, it holds a special place in the broader history of American marksmanship. Models like this were widely used in civilian training programs, including NRA safety courses, 4-H shooting clubs, and even school rifle teams. In some cases, they were adopted by ROTC programs and small law enforcement agencies for basic marksmanship instruction, owing to their dependability and intuitive handling.
This example retains a strong finish, has a bright bore, and features a practical peep sight setup for precision. The added leather sling, though not original, gives it a field-ready appearance. Whether you’re a collector of classic American rimfires or just looking for a vintage shooter with a training legacy, this Sears Ranger 101.16 delivers both charm and utility. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
